Montreal Rides

03/15/2026

It's March 15th. In Quebec, that's a legal milestone for riders—but look outside. 🌨️

My NIU is staying in "Professional Purgatory" for a little longer. Are you braving the slush today, or waiting for the "Great Wash" with me?

📽️ Watch the full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ozp7kAudc
☕ Support: https://buymeacoffee.com/montrealrides

March 15th is the legal start of the motorcycle season in Quebec, but the reality on the streets of Montreal is a different story. Between the "professional ...

03/11/2026

With the escalating war in the Middle East sending shockwaves through global oil markets, the price of a weekend ride is climbing again. It begs the question: is riding a gas-powered bike tying us too closely to global geopolitics? 🌍⛽

Today on the blog, I’m doing a deep dive into the pros and cons of Petrol vs. Electric motorcycles through a slightly heavier lens. Why I value the geopolitical independence of plugging into our local grid.

Read the full essay here: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/03/11/the-geopolitics-of-the-throttle-why-the-pump-is-a-political-act/

With the world on fire again, the choice between gas and electric feels heavier than just range and horsepower. The news cycle over the past two weeks has been incredibly heavy. With the U.S. and Israel now entrenched in a sprawling conflict with Iran, the headlines are a constant stream of strikes,...

03/04/2026

The law says March 15th is the day we can ride again, but the Montreal forecast—and the gravel on the roads—has other plans.

My NIU NQi GTS is currently sitting in a warehouse with hundreds of other bikes, and honestly? It’s staying there a little longer. Between the "no-salt" ice patches and the predicted snow dump, I’m choosing patience over the "legal" start date.

Read why I’m holding off: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/03/04/the-march-15th-mirage-why-my-ride-is-staying-in-professional-purgatory/

The law says we can ride, but Montreal’s icy reality says otherwise. It’s been two weeks since I last shared a thought here. Sometimes, the “side hustle” demands a level of focus that leaves the creative tank on empty, and the weekly rhythm has to take a backseat. But as the calendar flips t...

03/01/2026

The red carpet at the Palais des congrès suddenly felt like a concert. Caught@lesbikersloup9299 bringing their signature humor and rock energy to the 2026 Mo...

02/18/2026

Does the bike create the personality, or does the personality find the bike? 🤔

I’ve been thinking a lot about this after watching a video by MotoGirl in Thailand (Zed CM). We all ride the same roads, but we don't all ride for the same reasons. Today on the blog, I’m doing a deep dive into the 6 Psychological Archetypes of riders.

Are you an Essentialist? A Non-Conformist? Or, like me, are you an "Introspective Minimalist" just looking for some quiet?

Read the full breakdown: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/02/18/the-wiring-under-the-helmet-a-deep-dive-into-rider-personalities/

Why We Choose the Hard Way: An exploration of the psychological archetypes that define us on two wheels. Why do we do it? It’s a question that non-riders ask with a mix of confusion and concern. Why do we trade the climate-controlled safety of a car — with its airbags, cup holders, and surround ...

02/12/2026

With La Balloonerie – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/10/2026

It lasts less than a second, but it says everything. "I see you. I got you. Stay safe." ✌️

Today on the blog, I’m exploring the deeper meaning behind the "Moto Wave." It’s more than just a habit; it’s a language of silent solidarity that connects us all, especially on those days when we feel invisible.

Read the full article: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/02/10/the-two-finger-salute-a-language-of-silent-solidarity/

Why a Simple Gesture Means More Than Hello When You’re Riding Alone. There are days when I ride because I want to see the world, and there are days when I ride because I need to escape it. On those latter days, the ones where the noise of modern life feels like static interference, the […]

02/07/2026

Poll: Be honest... do you wave to every two-wheeled vehicle?

- Yes, everyone gets a wave!

- Only motorcycles (no scooters/trikes)

- I only wave if they wave first

- I’m too busy clutching/braking!

02/04/2026

Ever feel like a different person when you're on your bike? 🏍️ Today, I'm diving deep into the concept of the "Alter Ego in the Saddle" -- exploring how the simple act of putting on a helmet can reveal a more confident, focused, and powerful version of ourselves, especially for solo riders navigating mental health challenges. This is a longer, more personal read.

Read the full article: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/02/04/the-alter-ego-in-the-saddle-who-i-become-when-the-visor-drops/

Beyond the Daily Grind: How the Motorcycle Reveals the True Self, One Ride at a Time. I’ve stood in front of the bathroom mirror on a Wednesday morning and seen a person I barely recognize. A face etched with the anxieties of bills, the fatigue of a restless night, and the dull weight of expectati...

02/02/2026

01/29/2026

Sometimes the best therapy doesn't happen in a chair; it happens in a helmet. 🏍️ I’m taking a deep dive today into the connection between solo riding and mental health. From the neurobiology of stress reduction to the power of the "Flow State," I'm exploring why the bike is such a vital tool for those of us fighting quiet battles.

If you've ever used "wind therapy" to find your center again, this long-form exploration is for you.

Read the full article: https://montrealrides.ca/2026/01/29/the-sanctuary-of-the-helmet-a-deep-dive-into-riding-and-mental-health/

How Solitude on Two Wheels Becomes a Tool for Healing, Focus, and Reclaiming Control. The feeling of a heavy mind is something I’ve navigated more times than I care to admit. When depression settles in, it doesn’t just feel like sadness; it feels like a thick, grey fog that dampens every sense a...